1.1 Human Body And Homeostasis Flashcards
define the terms anatomy and physiology and describe their subdivisions
Anatomy: Study of structure.
Subdivisions: Gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy.
Physiology: Study of function.
Subdivisions: Cell physiology, organ physiology, systemic physiology, pathophysiology.
identify the structural levels of the body from chemical to organism level
Chemical level, cellular level, tissue level, organ level, organ system level, organism level.
list the organ systems of the body, identify key structures and state the main function of each system
Integumentary System:
Key Structures: Skin, hair, nails.
Function: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation.
Skeletal System:
Key Structures: Bones, cartilage, ligaments.
Function: Support, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.
Muscular System:
Key Structures: Skeletal muscles.
Function: Movement, posture, heat production.
Nervous System:
Key Structures: Brain, spinal cord, nerves.
Function: Control and coordination of body activities, sensation, cognition.
Endocrine System:
Key Structures: Glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal).
Function: Regulation of body functions through hormone secretion.
Cardiovascular System:
Key Structures: Heart, blood vessels.
Function: Transport of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and wastes; regulation of body temperature and pH.
Lymphatic System/Immune System:
Key Structures: Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, spleen, thymus.
Function: Defense against pathogens, fluid balance, absorption of fats.
Respiratory System:
Key Structures: Lungs, trachea, bronchi.
Function: Gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out), regulation of blood pH.
Digestive System:
Key Structures: Stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas.
Function: Breakdown and absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste.
Urinary System:
Key Structures: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
Function: Filtration of blood, regulation of electrolyte balance, elimination of waste.
Reproductive System:
Key Structures: Gonads (testes in males, ovaries in females), reproductive tract.
Function: Production of gametes (sperm and eggs), sexual reproduction.
describe the functional characteristics necessary to maintain life
Homeostasis: Maintaining internal stability.
Metabolism: Processing nutrients to provide energy.
Responsiveness: Responding to internal and external stimuli.
Growth: Increasing in size or number of cells.
Reproduction: Producing offspring.
Movement: Physical activity or internal transport.
Differentiation: Cells becoming specialized for specific functions.
describe the anatomical position and directional terms used to describe the location of organs
Anatomical position: Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward.
Directional terms:
Superior: Above
Inferior: Below
Anterior (ventral): Toward the front
Posterior (dorsal): Toward the back
Medial: Toward the midline
Lateral: Away from the midline
Proximal: Closer to the trunk or point of origin
Distal: Farther from the trunk or point of origin
correctly use medical and anatomical terms that apply to clinical practice
define homeostasis
Maintenance of stable internal conditions within the body.
describe the principles involved in homeostasis
Feedback loops regulate internal conditions; sensors detect changes, and effectors respond to maintain balance.
describe negative feedback mechanisms, using body temperature as an example
Body temperature rises -> Thermoreceptors detect -> Signals sent to hypothalamus -> Hypothalamus initiates sweating and vasodilation -> Body temperature decreases.
describe positive feedback mechanisms, using labour as an example
Contractions increase -> Stretch receptors in cervix stimulate -> Release of oxytocin -> Increased contractions -> Cycle continues until birth.
explain the significance of homeostasis in the body
